Door latch mechanism



April 20, 1954 o. o. GOULD DOOR LATCH MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 31, 1951 OTIS O. GOULD 3nnentor attorneys A p 20, 3954 o. o. GOULD' 2,676,047

DOOR LATCH MECHANISM Filed Aug. 31, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 OTIS o. GOULD ZSnncntor Ottornegs Patented Apr. 20, 1954 were A. OFFICE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM Otis 0. Gould, Portland, Greg,

half to Wayne C. Harrigan,

assignor of one- Seattle, Wash.

Application August 31, 1951, Serial No. 244,545

6 Claims. I

This present invention is a door latch mechanism which consists of a rotary latch disc memher that normally actuated by an extending portion, of the same, engaging the door post or frame member causing the disc to be rotated by the movement of the door so that an open slot formed in the periphery of the disc will engage a fixed pin in the door enclosing frame in such a manner as to, in effect, cam the door into a well-seated final position. At this point a toothed, spring urged pawl engages ratchet teeth out on the opposite side of the latch disc and thus holds the same in a secure engaged position.

In the past many latch mechanisms have been created, many of which well serve their intended purpose. In this present latch mechanism certain features of long proven design have been adapted in order that the specific result which it is desired to achieve could be attained with a mechanism that would give long periods of useful service. Ihe present latch is especially usable where doors are to be held in closed position against repeated jarring and vibration. The automotive field is one involving a great deal of jar. On the other hand the use of a latch mechanism on boats and the like subjects it to a great deal of vibration. Probably the greatest hazard the latch mechanism faces is the indiscriminate use by various persons, few of Whom will close a door carefully, but rather it is closed forcefully or slammed shut either in haste or in the hope of achieving a tighter closure. These various operating conditions therefore call for a latch mechanism so arranged with resilient means that it is very difficult to abuse the latch in use. These conditions have been considered fully in the production of this present latch mechanism and the details of structure that make it possible to secure these various conditions have produced a lock or latch of unusual simplicity which overcomes to a large degree the numerous faults and disadvantages which have been observed to date in locks or latches of this general type.

The principal object of this present invention is to provide a simple, foolproof and secure door latch.

A further object of this invention is to provide a door latch mechanism in which means are provided to insure that the various sequence of operations required in the opening and closing of the door can all be achieved under a Wide range of operating conditions without damage or undue wear to the working parts of this latch.

A further object of this invention is to provide a latch mechanism which functions very latch;

smoothly without the necessity of overcoming any heavy springsto the end that a closure can be made without jar which may be objectionable in the case of a vehicle or boat on one hand and which is very destructive to the mechanism of the latch on the other hand.

A further object of this invention is to provide a resiliently seated latch mechanism which will hold the various parts under compression so that there will be no objectionable vibration and especially no rattling of parts that would produce audible sounds.

A further object of this invention is to provide a latch mechanism 7 and associated parts which make it possible to provide-a fully weathertight door closure.

A further object of this invention is to provide a latch mechanism composed of simple,

rugged parts which are few in number and which act one with the other to provide an interlocking latch so that a very secure closure is obtained and one which will not become loosened due to vibration or shock.

Further objects, advantages and capabilities will be apparent from the description and disclosure in the drawings, or may be comprehended or are inherent in the device.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a horizontal sectional view through a door latch made after the teachings of my present invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary, perspective vievr' in my showing certain of the parts employed sectional views showing in fragmentary, diagrammatic form the succession of positions assumed by various parts of my latch in various sequen tial steps in the unlocking of my mechanism, the

locking bar is shown retracted.

teferring more particularly to the disclosure.

in the drawings, the numeral I2 designates the looking or latch disc forming an essential part I of my present latch. This disc is disposed for partial revolution upon the fixed shaft it. This disc is circular generally in form except for oertain configurations on the periphery of the same.

Formed by cutting away a portion of the disc is the door jamb engaging lug it. This member comes into place during the closing action of my latch mechanism. Normally when the latch disc I2 is free for rotation it is revolved by spring I8 until the outwardly extending stop member 20 comes into abutment with the stop pin 2|. This positions the straight front face or" lug l8 accurately so that it will engage the door lamb, or a protective member thereupon, and causes the partial revolution of the latch disc so that it will engage the stationary latching pin 22 properly. The initial impact in closing is borne by lug l6 and the lug engaging edge of the jamb instead of the latching surfaces of pin notch 24 thereby protecting the lattermembers from considerable wear. A slotted notch is formed in the periphery of the latch disc having a width to closely fit pin 22 and it is to be noted that the extended projection ofthe slotted notch would be tangent to a circle described about the center of shaft is and which circle would be of appreciably less diameter than the normal diameter of the latch disc. The angularity of this slot is critical in the functioning of the latch. This will be apparent particularly from a study of Figures through 10. Notch 25 has consider able length in a tangential direction and pin is held securely in both the positions shown Figure '7 and Figure 5 due to the length of notch 2 h It is common knowledge that often doors are not completely closed, as for instance doors, and the usual latches often fail to secure the doors in the partially closed position. The present latching mechanism secures the evenif it is not completely closed, as shown in Figure '7; The various parts are so arranged that the notchin extending toward the pin 22 is directed partially in the direction the door moves in opening; i. e., Figures 5, 6 and Z, whereby any-movement of-the door toward opening more firmlylatches it because of" the inclined surface presented to pin 22- by the walls or"- notch 2:3.

@n the diametrically opposite side of latch disc t2 from notch Ed isa plurality of ratchet teeth 30. These teeth are disposed angularly to givemaximum holding means when the door 32- 'is closed fully upon the door jamb 3 3 after the showing of Figure it, particularly; Adapted to engage teeth 36 is a sliding-lock bar 38 having teeth 38 complementary to teeth- Sil so that in thelocking position, normally a plurality of teeth isengaged, both on the lock bar and on the teeth so of the latch disc. This is to provide maximum security, to distribute wear over several surfaces, and to keep the height of the teeth to a minimum so that bar 36 need be retracted only a small amount to free the latch disc.

Lockbar 36 is held inposition and guided by the housing 46 through which a cylindrical portion 42 passes and also a plurality of blocks or pins 251V} and it. The depth of housing it as viewed in Figure lis relatively shallow so that vertical guidance is given also to the lock bar by the housing or spacing pieces secured thereto.

The sliding lock bar 3-6 is urged normally into engagement with the latch disc by a compression spring 56 preferably disposed upon the cylindrical portion of the lock bar nd coming to rest against a washer or suitable abutment member 52. Member. 52. should: definitely be secured fixedly to the lock bar.

As this present latch will find use in almost all forms of doors, the-retracting means forthe loci: bar and key lockingmeans for the latch will ofnecessity have to be varied to meet these different requirements. In Figure 1 is illustrated a push-button release having the horizontally reciprocating push button 5 8 which in turn bears upon bell crank 56. Bell crank 5% is urged usually in engagement with the push button by the coil spring 58 and may be secured conveniently to the pivot pin of the bell crank at iill. A short leg of the bell crank 56, or in some cases even a bifurcated leg, engages the face of abutment 52. With this; arrangement moderate pressure on push button 513., aided as it is by the mechanical advantage provided in the unequal lengths oi the bell crank 56, moves the lock bar a short distance to the left as viewed in Figure 1, thus releasing the latch disc ii. For use on most doors it is necessary to have interior release means also for? bar- 36 and this is achieved by the means shown in Figures 3 and i which usually are associatedwith the form shown in Figure 1, but for the sake of clarity of illustration have been shown with certain unrelated parts removed. For this purpose a preferably square revolvable shaft 62 is disposed horizontally im mediately below lock bar 36 and has secured to it preferably two eccentric members as t l. and 35. As shaft 62 is. revolved. in either direction, abutment t2 and the associated lock. bar will be; moved to the left as viewed in Figures 1, 3 and 4, thus disengaging the ratchet teeth and freeing the latch disc.

Under most conditions of use, except possibly in residences or other buildings it is desirable to, provide that the door be latched in a manner to prevent its vibrating or rattling, and it hasbeen found in order toprovide this characteristic that a degree of resiliency must be imposed upon. certain of the parts. It will be apparent it is believed that guide members 44 and t6 might be to a. degree resilient. However the preferred form is. to providea resilientsealing member as it in the form of a strip or gasket which may be secured to either the door 32' as shown in Figure 1, or in many cases it could be. secured better to the door frame 34; As part of door 32, a covering member l2 should be provided, to cover fully from bothv view and damage the resilient strip it. Such a strip is preferably formed of rubber or rubber substitute materials. although any form of resilient window stripping is entirely satisfactory.

M ethodi of operation Figures 5 through 10 illustrate sequentiallythe various positions of the latch mechanism as a door bearing: the same is being opened. Figure 5 shows the various parts, especially the door; and the door jamb, in the same position illustrated in Figure 1 excepting: that the locking bar 35- has been moved to the leftby means of push buttones, or by the rotation of shaft 62. As soon as the ratchet teeth at, and 38 are disengaged the first action is forthe resiliency'oi strip it to move thedoor outwardly a v small amount as illustrated in- Figure 6. This. tends towithdraw the stationarypin 22 slightly from the bottom of slot as and the various parts arethen free to move easily. In Figure 7 manual. efiort has been applied to; the door to move it more to its open osition and. this has caused a partial revolution of the latch disc l2 about its pivotpin, i i. Successive positions of door 32 are shown in Figures 82nd 9. Inv these various views hligures 5 to 9 inclusive, the rotation of thelatch disc iscaused by the engages. merit of slot, 2A. with the fixed pin 22. Asfsoon however as pinc 22. has become c'1is engaged. from slot t n. spring Ht. l us rated, n. Fi ure 1, takes n rol. o the. la h. disc. and revolve it.

counterclockwise, as viewed, until abutment 29 engages stop 2! thus arresting its further rotary movement. This position is illustrated in Figure wherein it is noteworthy that ratchet teeth 30 are still fully within housing 40 and the cut away portion of the latch disc at 14 gives full clearance for the engaging surface of lug I6 and this lug is the only portion of the disc extending out beyond its housing 40 forming part of door 32. It is to be noted that the fixed pin 22 lies wholly within door jamb 34 which is relieved at 16 to provide ample space so that the latch disc can at the proper time fully engage this pin.

The closing of the door is a substantial reversal of the opening but it is desired to point out that lug it is positioned accurately by means of spring l8, and abutment 20, and stop 2|, and will be so positioned on each opening of the door. This is important in that the engagement of lug 16 with the outside surface it of the door jamb starts the revolution of the latch disc as it initiates its engaging or latching sequence. It therefore follows that there must be maintained a distinct relaticnship between the distance from surface it to pin 22 and between the working surface of lug l6 and slot 2 3. This relationship as illustrated throughout the drawings, when properly estabiished, will insure the certainty of the sequence of operations required. The door is usually closed at considerable speed and normally continues on and gives some compression to strip in, and at the end of the inward movement of the door, spring 58 urges teeth 30 and 33 into engagement and the secure latching of the mechanism in its most advanced position is completed. This operation brings out the desirability of having teeth 38 and 38 small in size so that the last bit of slack can be captured and the door held in a position to retain compression on strip 70.

It is believed that it will be clearly apparent from the above description and the disclosure in the drawings that the invention comprehends a novel construction of a door latch mechanism.

Having thus disclosed the invention, I claim:

1. A door latch mechanism secured to one edge portion of a door and the adjacent jamb, comprising: a fixed vertical shaft secured to said door near one side edge; a horizontal latch disc rotatably mounted on said shaft; the surface of said jamb adjacent said disc having a recessed portion and there being a vertical latching pin positioned in said recessed portion; said disc having a slotted notch of a width closely fitting said pin in its periphery with the projected extension of the axis of the slotted notch extending tangentially to a circle of substantial size having its center at said shaft and smaller than said disc; said disc having a jamb engaging lug on its periphery, said jamb having a lug engaging edge positioned to engage said lug as said door moves toward a closed position, said lug striking said lug engaging edge to rotate said disc and directing said pin into said notch and then said pin acting against the walls of said notch further to rotate said disc as said door completes its closing action, said disc having a relieved portion between said lug and said notch to pass said lug engaging edge; spring means connected to said disc biasing it toward an unlocked position in which said lug is isposed to strike said lug engaging edge and stop means connected to said disc stopping said disc from rotation upon it reaching said unlocked position; said disc having a ratchet toothed portion on its edge opposite said notch; a horizontal lock bar slidably mounted in said door to move toward and away from said disc, said bar having a ratchet toothed end directed toward said disc to engage said toothed portion thereof to lock said disc in locked position with said pin in said notch; said slotted notch having considerable length in its tangential extension and said ratchet toothed portion of said disc having considerable length whereby the toothed end of said lock bar will fixedly secure said disc even when the door is only partially closed; spring means connected to said lock bar and biasing said bar toward said disc; and manually operable means for moving said lock bar away from said disc to unlock the same.

2. The subject matter of claim 1 in which said manually operable means includes a collar on said lock bar, a bell crank pivotally mounted in said door and having one end positioned to engage said collar, and a push button, positioned on the face of said door toward which the door opens, engaging the other end of said bell crank.

3. A door latch mechanism secured to one edge portion of a door and the adjacent jamb, comprising: a vertical shaft secured to said door near one side edge; a, horizontal latch disc rotatably mounted on said shaft; the surface of said jamb adjacent said disc having a recessed portion and there being a vertical latching pin positioned in said recessed portion; said disc having a slotted notch of a width closely fitting said pin in its periphery with the projected extension of the axis of the slotted notch extending tangentially to a circle of substantial size having its center at said shaft and smaller than said disc; said disc having a jamb engaging lug on its periphery, said jamb having a lug engaging edge positioned to engage said lug as said door moves toward a closed position, said lug striking said lug engaging edge to rotate said disc and directing said pin into said notch and then said pin acting against the walls of said notch further to rotate said disc as said door completes its closing action, said disc having a relieved portion between said lug and said notch to pass said lug engaging edge; spring means connected to said disc biasing it toward an unlocked position in which said lug is disposed to strike said lug engaging edge and stop means connected to said disc stopping said disc from rotation upon it reaching said unlocked position; said disc having a toothed portion on its edge opposite said notch; a horizontal lock bar slidably mounted in said door to move toward and away from said disc, said bar having a toothed end directed toward said disc to engage said toothed portion thereof to lock said disc in locked position with said pin in said notch; said slotted notch having considerable length in its tangential extension and said toothed portion or said disc having considerable length whereby the toothed end of said lock bar will fixedly secure said disc even when the door is only partially closed; said shaft, disc, pin and notch being so positioned that said notch, as it extends toward said pin, extends partially in the direction the door moves in opening, in the various positions of said notch in which said toothed portion of said disc is in position to be engaged by said toothed end of said lock bar; spring means connected to said lock bar and biasing said bar toward said disc; and manually operable means for moving said lock bar away from said disc to unlock the same.

4. A door latch mechanism secured to one edge portion of a door and the adjacent jamb, comprising: a, shaft secured to said door near one edge and parallel thereto; a latch disc rotatably mounted on said shaft; a latching pin positioned on said jamb adjacent said disc and disposed 7 parallel to sa'i'd shaft; said disc having -a slotted notch of a width closely fitting said pin in its periphery with the 'projected-extension ofthe axis of the slotted notch extending tangentially to a circle of substantial size 'havhig itscent'er at-said shaft and smaller than saiddisc; said-disc having a jamb engaging 'lug-on its periphery, lug engaging means on said jamb to engage saidlug as said door moves toward a closed position, said lug striking said lug engaging edge to rotate said disc and directing'said pin into said notch and then-said pin acting against the Wailsof said notch further to rotate said disc as said door-completes its closing action, said disc having a relieved pcrtionhetwe'en said lug and said notch to pass said lug engaging means; spring means connected to said disc biasing it toward an unlocked position in which said lug is disposed to strike said lug engaging means and stop means connected to said disc stopping said disc from rotation upon it reaching said unlocked position; said disc having a toothed portion on its edge opposite said notch; a-lock bar slidably mounted in said door to move toward and away from said disc, said bar having a toothed end directed toward said disc to engage said toothed portion thereof to lock said disc in locked position with said pin in said notch; said slotted notch'having considerable length in its tangential extension and said toothed portionof said disc having considerable length whereby the toothed end of said lock bar will fixedly'secure said disc even when the door is only 'partially closed; spring means connected to said lock'bar and biasing said 'bar toward said disc; and manually operable means for moving said lock bar awayir'om said disc to unlock the same.

5. A door latch mechanism secured to one edge portion of a'door and the adjacent'jamb, comprising: a fixed vertical shaft secured to said door near one side edge; a horizontal latch disc rotatably mounted on said shaft; a vertical latching pin positioned on said jamb vadjacent said disc; said disc havinga slotted notch of'a width closely fitting said pin in its periphery with the projected extension of the'axis of the slotted "notch extending tangentially to a circle of substantial size having its center at said shaft.

and smaller than said disc; said disc having a jarnh engaging lug on, its periphery, said jamb having a lug engaging edge positioned to engage said lug as said door moves toward a closed position, said lug striking said lug engaging edge to rotate said disc and directing said pin into said notch and then said pin acting against the walls of said notch further to rotate said disc as said door completesits closing action, said disc having a relieved portion between said lug and said notch to pass said. lug engaging edge; spring means connected to said disc biasing it towards an unlocked position in which saidlug is disposed to strike said lug engaging edge and stop means connected to said disc stopping said disc from rotation upon its reaching said unlocked position; said disc having a ratchet-toothed portion on its edge opposite said notch;'a horizontal lock bar slidably mounted in s-aiddoor to move toward and away from said disc, said bar having a ratchet toothed end directed toward said disc to engage said toothed portion thereof to lock saiddisc'in locked position with said pin in said notch; said slotted notch having considerable length in its tangential extension and said ratchet toothed portion of said disc having considerable length whereby the toothed end of said lock bar wiil 'fixedly secure said disc-even when the door is only partially closed; spring means connected to said lo-ck bar and'hiasing said bar towardssaid disc; and manually operable means for moving said lock bar away from said disc to unlock the same.

"6. A door latch mechanism secured to one edge portion of a door'andthe adjacent jamb, cornprising: a vertical shaft secured to 's'ai'd'door near one side edge; a horizontal latch disc rotatably mounted on said shaft; the surface of said jamb adjacent said disc havinga recessed portion and there being "a vertical latching pin positioned in said'recessed portion; said disc having a slotted notch of a width closely fitting said pin in its periphery with the projected extension of the axis of the slotted notch extending tangentially to a circle of substantial size having its center at said-shaft and smaller than said disc; said disc having a jamb engaging lug on its periphery, said lamb having a lug engaging edge positioned to engage said lug as said door moves toward a close'd'position, said lug striking said lug engagin edge to rotate said disc and directing said pininto said notch and then said pin actingagainst the walls of said notch "further to rotate said disc as said doc-r completesits closing action, said disc having a relieved portion between said log and said notch'to pass said lug engaging edge; spring means connected to said discbiasing it towards an unlocked position in which saidlug is disposed to strike said lugengaging edge and stop means connected to said disc stopping said disc from rotation upon its reaching said unlocked position; said-disc having a toothed portion on its edge opposite-said notch; a horizontal lock bar slidably mounted in said door to move toward and away from said disc, said bar having a toothed end directed toward said disc to engage said toothedportion thereof tolock said-disc in locked position with said pin-in said notch; said slotted notch having considerable length in its tangential extension and said toothed portion of said disc having considerable length whereby the toothed end of said lock bar willfixedly secure said disc even when the door is only partially closed; said shaft, :disc, pin and notch being so positioned that said notch, as-it'extends towards said pin, extends partially in the direction the door moves in opening, in the various positions of said notch in which said toothed portion of said disc is in position to be engaged by said toothed end of said lock bar; andspringmeans connected to said 1001: bar and biasing said bar towards said disc.

References Cited in the file'of thispatent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

